13 Bataan candidates running unopposed

BALANGA City, Bataan: Thirteen candidates in this province, among them five coming
from the political Garcia family, are running unopposed in the May 9 synchronized elections.

Rep. Enrique Garcia of the second district, who is running for vice governor, and four of his children are without opponents.

Gov. Albert Garcia, who is on his second term, needs only a vote to be proclaimed governor. This is also true with Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd, who will replace his father in the congressional post.

Political neophyte Francis Garcia, a former member of the board of directors of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, will become mayor of Balanga City unopposed, while Mayor Gila Garcia is assured of her reelection bid in Dinalupihan town.

Other mayoral candidates who are unopposed are Dr. Jorge Estanislao for mayor of Morong town for the second term, and Vice Gov. Efren Pascual Jr., in Orani.

There is no need to hard campaign for the five candidates for the provincial Board or Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the second district, as well. However, the most ambitious can campaign to get more votes than those in the first district to become acting vice governor when the one elected gets sick or is absent.

Reelectionist Abucay Mayor Tin-Tin de la Fuente is the common candidate of two political giants in the town – come-backing former Mayor Liberato Santiago and opponent, former Vice Mayor Robin Tagle.

The congressional post in the first district, however, is hotly contested with aspirants Hermosa Mayor Danilo Malana and transgender woman Geraldine Roman.

Geraldine is the daughter of outgoing Rep. Herminia Roman and the late former congressman Tony Roman.

A neck-to-neck fight is also expected in the mayoral seats in the towns of Hermosa, Abucay, Pilar, Orion, Limay, Mariveles and Bagac.

Reelectionist Samal Mayor Gene de la Fuente, observers said, is still the man to beat. He is being challenged by former town councilor Rafael Guinto.